The Isle of Man Sea Cadet Corps has been awarded Best Turned Out Unit and 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadet Sergeant Rebecca Stokes Best Turned Out Individual on parade at the 2017 Tynwald Day ceremony.
In recognition, the President of Tynwald, Steve Rodan MLC, presented Sub-Lieutenant Nathan Rogers RNR, representing the Sea Cadet Corps, with a signed certificate and an engraved plaque, and Sergeant Stokes with a certificate and winner’s shield.
Sub-Lieutenant Rogers said: ‘We’re all extremely proud to have achieved this honour, the first time for us in 15 years. Over the past four years our numbers have grown considerably from some six cadets and three staff to 41 cadets and 15 staff, and for this year’s ceremony there were 32 on parade for what is our largest public event of the year.
‘We are also delighted that our participation in the Island’s national day has been noticed not only by the Sea Cadet Corps in the UK, which is looking to set up a competition to select a number of cadets to join us at St John’s, but also by the Royal Marines Cadets who have expressed an interest in sending a detachment to serve with us at the formal proceedings on Tynwald Day.’
17-year-old Sergeant Stokes, who joined the squadron aged 14 and is looking to pursue a military career, said: ‘I’m so excited and really didn’t expect to win this award. It’s all down to squadron teamwork, though, as we always look out for each other and check that we’re turned out correctly. There’s a lot of friendly competition to see who might be chosen for the award and for all of us being on parade for Tynwald Day is a 100 per cent honour.’
Presenting the awards Mr Rodan said: ‘I congratulate the Isle of Man Sea Cadet Corps and Rebecca on their achievements and thank them for their valuable contribution to our National Day celebrations.
‘The pride and meticulous attention to detail with which military organisations take part in the formal proceedings of Tynwald Day make for unequalled pageantry and a true sense of occasion. The ceremony at St John’s places the Manx nation on the international stage and the cadets who serve on parade are worthy ambassadors, not only for the Armed Forces but also for the youth of the Isle of Man.’
Photo - The President of Tynwald Steve Rodan MLC presents the Best Turned Out Unit certificate to Sub-Lieutenant Nathan Rogers RN of the Isle of Man Sea Cadet Corps and the Best Turned Out Individual award to 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadet Sergeant Rebecca Stokes. Photo Paul Dougherty, Tynwald Seneschal.
